Stem-Cell Trial Without Embryo Destruction

By

Jonathan D. Rockoff

Updated Dec. 13, 2012 7:25 p.m. ET

A Massachusetts biotechnology company said it expects as early as Friday to start the process for regulatory approval of what experts said would be the first human trial involving stem cells created by reprogramming adult cells back to an embryonic-like state.

Researchers have been experimenting with treatments derived from stem cells, which can grow into other cell types or tissues. But such cells are typically obtained by destroying human embryos, a controversial practice. Scientists are experimenting with other types of...